HL Deb 29 October 1996 vol 575 cc11-2WA
Lord Braine of Wheatley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is their estimate of the total number of deaths and injuries prevented as a result of the compulsory wearing of seat belts.

Viscount Goschen

An estimated 5,100 lives and 96,000 serious injuries have been saved as a result of compulsory wearing in front seats. An estimated 740 lives and 9,400 serious injuries have been saved since July 1991 through wearing seat belts in the rear of cars.

Lord Braine of Wheatley

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will publish in the Official Report a table showing the latest seat belt wearing rates (a) for a front seat and (b) for a rear seat.

Viscount Goschen

The latest survey by the Transport Research Laboratory, in April 1996, showed that 91 per cent. of drivers, 93 per cent. of front seat passengers and 65 per cent. of rear seat passengers in cars were wearing seat belts.